Unfairness and displacement have shaped the Israeli-Arab narrative. Jewish communities existed for thousands of years in Arab countries, but were expelled after Israel's creation. Today, only 40,000 Jews remain in the Arab world. However, Palestinian Arabs residing in Israel have flourished, with 2 million thriving and enjoying full citizenship rights, although challenges persist.
In 2018, author Yossi Klein Halevi wanted Palestinians to understand his story of how Israel came into existence. At the same time, he wanted Palestinians to tell him their personal and national stories, too, about the same land. The result was Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor, a candid, heartfelt book that engaged Jews and Arabs around the world in conversation. Listen as Klein Halevi talks about his book and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict with EconTalk's Russ Roberts. Halevi explains why he believes that dialogue is possible, even when there are things about which the two sides will never agree. Finally, he speaks about where he sees Israel headed in the wake of Hamas's brutal October 7th attack.